As Aviv group one awoke to kibbutz Yechiam on day 22 of
their whirlwind adventure through Israel a feeling of togetherness, comfort and
routine was evident. As we arose to yet another less than awe inspiring breakfast,
we were all eager to complete our one or two lessons of Ulpan for the day in
order to move onto more relaxing and social activities. The Hebrew lessons of
the day included some rather useful vocabulary and questions for our time in
Israel such as “where is the bathroom?” “How much for that?” and more popular
among the girls, “do you have skim milk?” or in Emma’s case “do you have soy
milk….” Following our lessons we were able to indulge in more relaxation time
prior to lunch in which we were again faced with some shape of chicken
alongside some less than appetising sides. However, it is looking up for the
vegetarians of the group as vegetable patties are now being offered as a
somewhat viable meal alternative, of course now that they have purchased their
own food.
Post-meal we were privileged to participate in our first
participant-led program of Aviv. Run by our very own fitness committee consisting
of Jenna, Toby, Harry, Daena, Lucy and Robbie, who put everyone through their
paces with a fitness circuit and a largely contested soccer match. Following
the necessary refreshments such as showers dinner was next up on the agenda.
After we refuelled following a gruelling workout we were treated to a ‘café dilemma’
of sorts by the Judaism Committee comprising of Zoe, Adi and Jared Engelman. We
were split into groups and were challenged to debate scenarios in which moral
and ethical decisions would force us to question our core values. It was a
rather intriguing program, enjoyed by all owing largely to its questioning
content as well as the supplied foodstuffs which we all have trouble turning
down. As per usual, movie and chill time was next and finally followed by
eventual bedtime for all.
The next morning we woke up less than energised, with the
knowledge that a hike awaited us. However it wasn’t one of Oded’s usual ‘hikes’
which generally consist of a leisurely stroll but rather one which actually
challenged us to scale rocks and confront what is actually widely define by
many as a hike. Following our survival from this treacherous hike we returned
to clean up our rooms for our impending inspection by one of Yechiam’s staff.
Needless to say, we all passed with flying colours. Following this we were
escorted to the kibbutz’s winery and brewery where we were able to purchase
alcoholic beverages made on the kibbutz itself. Some drank more than others,
however all were appeased when Tracy and Oded bot happily indulged in a drink
with us. It was an unbelievably entertaining afternoon….
Next was free time which most used to prepare their clothes
for Shabbat, as one girl changed out of gym clothes so did each and every
other, each in a more disgruntled fashion than the last, until all were ready
for a kabbalat Shabbat to begin. As Rabbi Engelman marshalled us up to a nice
spot with a view of the sunset, he began a service which made all just a little
home sick whilst reminding us of the unbelievable land which we were currently
standing in.
Dinner followed, consisting of chicken drumsticks, potatoes
and baby carrots, an all-round edible meal, ruined only by the lack of challah
and a decent grape juice. Following this, all were gathered in the moadon and
for our weekly Shabbat check in. We were split into two groups and asked to
pick our highlights and lowlights from another hectic week, not an easy task,
especially for a week in which we resided in no less than three cities of
Israel. As we all headed back to our rooms some headed out for a little bit of
fun whilst others settled for a night in with a good movie.
Another awesome couple of days down, 127 days to look
forward to!
Jake
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